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Simhasanadvatrimshika 9.2

Siṃhāsanadvātriṃśikā 9.2

Language
Sanskrit

9.2

yeṣāṃ na vidyā na tapo na dānaṃ
na cā 'pi śīlaṃ na guṇo na dharmaḥ,
te martyaloke bhuvi bhārabhūtā
manuṣyarūpeṇa mṛgāś caranti. || 2 ||

Those who have not learning, nor asceticism, nor generosity, neither morality, nor virtue, nor religion, they are a mere burden upon the face of the earth, and wander about in the world of mortals as beasts in human form. In this round of existence there is no higher ornament for a man than learning. And thus it is said: 3. Knowledge is really man's highest beauty, a secret store of treasure; knowledge is the source of enjoyment, glory, and happiness, it is the Teacher of Teachers [or, 'revered of the reverend']; knowledge is a friend in foreign lands, it is the Supreme Godhead; knowledge is held in honor among kings, rather than wealth; one who has not knowledge is a beast. And so: 4. What value is there in an illustrious origin if a mortal be bereft of knowledge? But even a man of low birth, if he have knowledge, is honored thruout the three worlds. For shame, my son! While I live you ought to devote yourself wholly to the study of science. The knowledge you acquire will perform all manner of friendly services for you. And it is said: 5. Knowledge cherishes us like a mother, enjoins on us the right way like a father, and rejoices us like a wife, driving away our sorrow; she spreads abroad our fame in all quarters, and augments our wealth;

Franklin Edgerton 1926, Vikrama's Adventures, or The Thirty-two Tales of the Throne

Translations (2)